Mr. Daniel Konka, Director of Health Services for Dormaa Central, has disclosed that the municipal health directorate has registered one maternal death so far in 2026, calling the incident unfortunate.
He noted that the directorate recorded only one maternal death in the whole of 2025, yet a similar death has already occurred in the first half of 2026. This development has led health authorities to strengthen measures aimed at stopping further maternal deaths.
Mr. Konka encouraged pregnant women to attend antenatal clinics consistently, pointing out that regular check-ups allow health workers to identify warning signs early and offer prompt, suitable care. He also appealed to men to motivate and support their partners in attending antenatal services throughout pregnancy.
He emphasised that joint action is essential to sharply cut maternal deaths across Ghana and urged every stakeholder to contribute to the promotion of safe motherhood.
The health director voiced concern about the increasing number of teenage pregnancies in the municipality and called for immediate collective steps to tackle the problem.
He asked traditional leaders (Nananom), Imams, pastors, parents and other community figures to step up education and interventions designed to lower teenage pregnancy rates.
According to him, Dormaa Central ranks among the municipalities in the Bono Region with high teenage pregnancy figures. He revealed that 357 cases were recorded in 2025, of which eight involved girls aged 10–14 and the rest involved teenagers aged 15–19.
By June 2026, 197 teenage pregnancy cases had already been recorded, a trend he described as evidence that society is letting its young people down.
Mr. Konka pointed to poverty and sexual exploitation by wealthier men as key contributing factors, alleging that some men exploit their financial power and influence to take advantage of young girls.
He therefore urged the appropriate authorities to apply strict penalties against adults who impregnate or sexually exploit teenagers in order to curb the problem.
He also expressed worry about the sharp rise in HIV cases in Dormaa, noting 456 new infections in 2025 and a further 198 new cases recorded by mid-2026.Mr. Konka stressed that the most effective way to prevent HIV is for people to know their status.
Those who test negative can take steps to remain uninfected, while those who test positive can start treatment that suppresses the virus and lowers the chance of passing it on to others.
